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Correction: Libya story

The Associated Press

Posted:
01/20/2014 12:38:52 PM EST

TRIPOLI, Libya—In a story Jan. 19 about fighting in Libya, The Associated Press reported erroneously that an army chief of staff was killed. The man who died was a member of a pro-government militia that was fighting alongside army forces.

A corrected version of the story is below:

Pro-government militiaman killed in clashes

Pro-government militiaman killed in clashes with gangs near Tripoli

By ESAM MOHAMED

Associated Press

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP)—Libyan security officials say a pro-government militiaman has been killed in clashes with gangs south of Tripoli.

Mohammed Karah died Sunday of a gunshot wound to the head, after participating in an offensive against gangs that had been stealing cars and blocking roads in the Rishfana area on the outskirts of Tripoli. Two other government forces were wounded.

The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to brief journalists.

Since the fall of dictator Moammar Gadhafi in Libya's 2011 civil war, Libya's central government has virtually collapsed and it lacks an efficient police force and military. Rebel forces and militias quickly filled the security vacuum, leaving the government heavily relying on militias to restore order especially with surge of crime.